West Nile Spraying Irks Residents

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - Santa Clara County has seen a sharp jump in birds infected with West Nile virus, which has prompted an increase in mosquito spraying that upsets many residents.

The San Jose Mercury News reports that Santa Clara County recorded 286 infected birds as of July 3, accounting for nearly 60 percent of cases statewide. The county has already logged more than three times the number of cases found in all of 2013.

In response, county officials have increased chemical fogging to kill mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus, which can be deadly for birds and humans.

State health officials say warmer temperatures and the drought may be contributing to the increase in West Nile cases because birds and mosquitoes are coming into closer contact around the same watering holes.

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